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2024 Hotspots

Our complete guide to the Mediterranean

3,697  Crewed Luxury Yachts for Charter

The Luxury Yacht Charter Marketplace

Find and book your dream yacht through YachtCharterFleet, the world's leading luxury yacht charter comparison site. View ALL superyachts available to rent, get expert advice from our comprehensive destination guides and be inspired by our bespoke superyacht itineraries. Let us connect you with a knowledgeable local charter broker to help you plan and book your fully-crewed private yachting vacation today.

Hotspots Summer 2024

Take a look at all the yachts available in a selection of our favorite summer charter destinations.

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from $12,000 p/week

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Amalfi Coast

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Take a look at all the yachts available in a selection of our favorite winter charter destinations.

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from $11,900 p/week

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12 Guests | 7 Cabins  from $390,000 p/week ♦︎

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Questions for Investigators Trying to Unravel Mystery of Luxury Yacht’s Sinking

The investigators searching for answers about the shipwreck, leaving seven dead, face questions about extreme weather and possible human error or problems with the yacht itself.

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By Alan Yuhas

More than 180 feet long, with a mast towering about 240 feet and a keel that could be lowered for greater stability, the Bayesian luxury yacht did not, in the eyes of its maker, have the vulnerabilities of a ship that would easily sink.

“It drives me insane,” Giovanni Costantino, the chief executive of the Italian Sea Group, which in 2022 bought the company that made the ship, said after its wreck last week. “Following all the proper procedures, that boat is unsinkable.”

But the $40 million sailing yacht sank within minutes and with fatal results: seven dead, including the British technology billionaire Michael Lynch, his teenage daughter, four of Mr. Lynch’s friends and a member of the crew. Fifteen people, including the captain, escaped on a lifeboat.

Mr. Lynch had invited family, friends and part of his legal team on a cruise in the Mediterranean to celebrate his acquittal in June of fraud charges tied to the sale of his company to the tech giant Hewlett-Packard.

The Italian authorities have opened a manslaughter investigation, searching for answers from the survivors, the manufacturer and the wreck itself. They face a range of questions and possible factors.

An ‘earthquake’ in the sky?

When the Bayesian sank around 4 a.m. on Aug. 19, the waters in its area, about half a mile off the Sicilian port of Porticello, were transformed by an extremely sudden and violent storm, according to fishermen, a captain in the area and meteorologists.

But what kind of storm is still a mystery, compounded by the fact that a sailing schooner anchored nearby did not have its own disaster. Also unclear is whether the crew was aware that the Italian authorities had issued general warnings about bad weather the night before.

Karsten Börner, the captain of the nearby passenger ship, said he’d had to steady his ship during “really violent” winds . During the storm, he said, the Bayesian seemed to disappear behind his ship.

Severe lightning and strong gusts were registered by the Italian Air Force’s Center for Aerospace Meteorology and Climatology, according to Attilio Di Diodato, its director. “It was very intense and brief in duration,” he said.

The yacht, he said, had most likely been hit by a fierce downburst — a blast of powerful wind surging down during a thunderstorm. His agency put out rough-sea warnings the previous evening, alerting sailors about possible storms.

Locals have said the winds “felt like an earthquake.” A fisherman in Porticello said that he had seen a flare go off in the early-morning hours. His brother ventured to the site once the weather had calmed about 20 minutes later, he said, finding only floating cushions.

The Italian authorities have so far declined to say whether investigators had seen any structural damage to the hull or other parts of the ship.

Open hatches or doors?

The boat executive, Mr. Costantino, has argued that the Bayesian was an extremely safe vessel that could list even to 75 degrees without capsizing. His company, the Italian Sea Group, in 2022 bought the yacht’s manufacturer, Perini Navi, which launched the ship in 2008.

Mr. Costantino said that if some of the hatches on the side and in the stern, or some of the deck doors, had been open, the boat could have taken on water and sunk. Standard procedure in such storms, he said, would be to switch on the engine, lift the anchor and turn the boat into the wind, lowering the keel for extra stability, closing doors and gathering the guests in the main hall inside the deck.

At a news conference on Saturday, almost a week after the sinking, investigators said the yacht had sunk at an angle , with its stern — where the heavy engine was — having gone down first. The wreck was found lying on its right side at the bottom of a bay, about 165 feet deep.

12 guests occupied the yacht’s six cabins. There were also 10 crew members.

Open hatches, doors and cabin windows could have let in water during a storm, according to the manufacturer.

Open hatches, doors and

cabin windows could

have let in water

during a storm,

according to the

manufacturer.

Source: Superyacht Times, YachtCharterFleet, MarineTraffic

By Veronica Penney

Water pouring into open hatches or doors could have contributed to the sinking, experts say, but that on its own may not account for the speed at which such a large boat vanished underwater.

Asked about the hatches at the news conference, the authorities declined to comment on whether they had been found open at the wreck.

The authorities have also not specified whether the boat had been anchored, whether it was under power at the time or whether its sails had been unfurled.

A retracted keel?

The Bayesian had a keel — the fin-like structure beneath a boat that can help stabilize it — that could be retracted or extended, according to its manufacturer. On some yachts, keels can be raised to let the large vessel dock in shallower water, and extended downward to help keep a boat level.

But like the hatches, the status of the keel alone may not explain why a large ship sank with such precipitous speed. Investigators have not disclosed what divers may have seen at the wreck, aside from saying divers had faced obstacles like furnishings and electrical wiring in tight quarters. Officials want to raise the wreck to better examine it, a process that may take weeks.

Human error?

Ambrogio Cartosio, the prosecutor in charge of the case, said at the news conference that it was “plausible” crimes had been committed, but that investigators had not zeroed in on any potential suspects.

“There could be responsibilities of the captain only,” he said. “There could be responsibilities of the whole crew. There could be responsibilities of the boat makers. Or there could be responsibilities of those who were in charge of surveilling the boat.”

It remains unclear what kind of emergency training or preparation took place before the disaster, or what kind of coordination there was during it. So far, none of the surviving crew members have made a public statement about what happened the night the ship sank.

Prosecutors said they want to ask more questions of the captain and crew, who have been in a Sicilian hotel with other survivors. They said that neither alcohol nor drug tests had been performed on crew members, and that they have been allowed to leave Italy.

Prosecutors also said they were also investigating why the captain, an experienced sailor, left the sinking boat while some passengers were still on board.

Besides possible manslaughter charges, the authorities are investigating the possibility of a negligently caused shipwreck.

The bodies of five passengers were found in one cabin, on the left side of the yacht, the authorities said. The five were most likely trying to flee to the higher side of the boat and were probably sleeping when the boat started to sink, they said.

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Frequently asked questions.

Finding and browsing luxury yachts is easy on The Yacht Engine. Simply use our search functionality to explore our extensive collection of yacht listings. Refine your search based on location, boat type, size, and budget to discover the perfect yacht for your charter experience.

Booking a yacht through The Yacht Engine is a seamless process. Once you've found a yacht that captures your interest, we connect you with leading charter brokers who will provide personalised assistance. They will guide you through the booking process, ensuring all your preferences are taken care of, and helping you plan an unforgettable yacht charter.

Absolutely! We prioritise the trust and satisfaction of our users. All the yachts listed on The Yacht Engine undergo a thorough verification process to ensure their authenticity and quality. We also maintain partnerships with respected industry organisations to uphold the highest standards, providing you with peace of mind and confidence in your choice.

The Yacht Engine offers a wide range of destinations for yacht charters. From the sparkling Mediterranean to the pictureqsque Caribbean and beyond, our platform covers diverse and sought-after locations worldwide. Whether you have a specific destination in mind or seek inspiration, our extensive network of yachts can cater to your desired cruising grounds.

Many of the yachts listed on The Yacht Engine are fully crewed. Chartering a fully crewed yacht provides you with the ultimate luxury experience, as a professional crew takes care of all aspects of your voyage, from navigation to cooking and cleaning. Indulge in a worry-free charter, with dedicated crew ensuring your comfort and enjoyment throughout.

The pricing structure for luxury yacht charters can vary based on factors such as yacht size, charter duration, and destination. The Yacht Engine provides clear and upfront pricing, ensuring transparancy in the booking process. Additional expenses, such as fuel, provisions, and optional extras, may apply. Your dedicated charter broker will provide detailed information on pricing and help you navigate the options within your budget.

We are committed to providing exceptional support and assistance during your yacht charter. Your dedicated charter broker will be your primary point of contact, available to address any inquiries or concerns you mag have throughout the charter process. They will ensure a smooth experience, providing guidance, arranging any special requests, and ensuring your satisfation with the charter journey.

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At Worldwide Boat, we craft memorable yacht charter experiences around the world

“Yacht charters offer a vacation of a lifetime!”

When looking to charter a yacht for a unique family or team vacation, most people struggle with where to start and how it all works. Price, where, when, how, it overwhelms them.

At Worldwide Boat we provide personalized brokerage services regardless of your charter experience, by curating a customized vacation on the water and to make the booking process easy and seamless.

With our worldwide network of luxury boat rentals, including super and mega yachts, sailing yachts, and catamarans, you’ll be able to tour some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Whether you’re hoping to go island-hopping in Tahiti, whale-watching in Alaska, cruising in the Mediterranean, or exploring locales like the Bahamas or the Caribbean in a whole different way, our luxury yacht charters can provide unique access to secluded beaches, private spots, and, of course, miles of crystal waters to sail upon.

Imagine creating new memories with loved ones while cruising the most exclusive destinations with top notch customized service & culinary creations that meet your desires.

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About Yacht Charters: The Most Unforgettable Vacation Experience

"this was one of our most amazing family trips ever. outstanding".

Picture yourself island-hopping in the Bahamas or sipping a cocktail aboard a luxury yacht in the South of France. On a private yacht charter experiences like these happen every day.

There are only so many opportunities in life that vacations of a lifetime can be taken, where lasting unique memories are created. You want to make the right choice.

Why Charter a Yacht?

Luxury yacht rentals offer five-star service, amazing chef-prepared cuisine, and itineraries and experiences tailored to your preferences. As a primary charter guest you control all the details, from the destination to the guest list and menu to the onboard amenities. Our charter specialists work with you to carefully curate a voyage that’s a dream come true.

Experience a Stress-Free Vacation All of the details are handled by your broker and the yacht’s crew. Ask your broker for available crewed yachts in your desired destination and provide your preferences and vision for the vacation. Then, your charter specialist and the crew will work to make sure all of your wants are met.

Traverse the World’s Most Revered Destinations From the aquamarine lagoons of Thailand to the pink-sand beaches of the Bahamas, you can charter a yacht in the world’s most exclusive sailing grounds. Worldwide Boat arranges yacht charters throughout the world, providing you access to amazing private yachts in nearly every port of call. from Alaska to Tahiti to Italy to Croatia. Wherever you want to go, we can help you charter a luxury yacht.

Indulge in First-Class Service and Cuisine Few vacations are as tailored to your preferences as a yacht charter. Your onboard chef carefully creates a menu that’s tailored to you and your guests’ preferences. Yachting chefs are some of the best in the business. Plus, the deck and interior crews are there to provide an unmatched level of service.

Plan Your Dream Yacht Charter Today

Talk to a charter broker at Worldwide Boat today and let us know your desired destination, preferences, and what you’d like to experience on your vacation. Our brokers will discuss the endless opportunities of chartering your perfect yacht, while making it easy and exciting for you to enjoy.

At Worldwide Boat we deliver exceptional personalized service, so that you can cruise on the charter of your dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Private Yacht Charter?

A private yacht rental is a cruise vacation tailored to your needs and desires. You’ll get use of the yacht and its crew, and you’ll be able to control the activities on the boat and choose which beaches to go to based on your interests.

How Do You Charter a Yacht?

Private yacht charters can be booked by talking to a specialist or broker like the experienced staff at Worldwide Boat. It should be somebody knowledgeable who can work with you during the whole process and show you a wide range of options. Once your broker helps you find the yacht that fits your dream vacation, you reserve it by signing a contract with the yacht owner.

Where Can I Charter a Yacht?

Our luxury yacht charters are available in dozens of popular destinations, from the French Riviera to the South Pacific and beyond.

Can I Rent a Yacht for a Day?

Luxury boat rentals are usually done on a weekly basis. A yacht broker like Worldwide Boat can help you find luxury boat charters within your price range to make sure you have the vacation of your dreams.

How Much Is a Luxury Yacht Charter?

Pricing on a luxury yacht charter can vary. On average, a week-long private yacht charter starts around $10,000 for a sailing yacht or catamaran. A week-long vacation on a superyacht could cost up to $150,000 or more.

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Mega Yacht?

The price to rent a mega yacht depends on the yacht as well as the yacht owner, but they are usually $150,000 or more per week. Depending on the agreement you sign when you charter a mega yacht, you may also have to pay for food, fuel, and beverages.

How Much Is a Yacht?

Yachts themselves can range in price depending on the size you buy, but the average cost of a luxury boat is $8.4 million. If you just want a taste of the yacht lifestyle, a luxury yacht rental can be a great way to test out what it’s like to have a yacht before you buy one.

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• Yachts Worldwide has over 60 years experience in yacht charter, sales and management with over 1000 booked charters
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All charter yachts, motor yachts, sailing yachts, special offers, popular yachts, new latest yachts, feature yachts, stabilisers, jacuzzi spa pools, explorer yachts, under 100ft long, over 100ft long, under $100k per week, over 100k per week, browse yachts by location, the caribbean, the mediterranean, the pacific northwest, the south pacific, australia & new zealand, south & central america, the indian ocean, a world tour, the middle east, sailing regatta yachts, luxury yachts at events, south of france, browse all all charter yachts :, by type: motor - large | medium | small - sailing   large | medium | small - cats large | small, by location : popular  - the med  - caribbean  - france  - italy  - croatia  - sardinia  - greece  - world.

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88M FEADSHIP SUPERYACHT | From EUR€ 1,600,000/wk

86M CUSTOM LUXURY YACHT | From EUR€ 1,200,000/wk

80M MODERN CUSTOM YACHT | From EUR€ 1,085,000/wk

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PALOMA | From EUR€ 187,500/wk

NEXT | From EUR€ 150,000/wk

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Inside the shocking Sicily yacht tragedy that left 7 people dead

There was a violent storm, but even then, luxury yachts are built to weather such events. so why did this boat sink off the coast of sicily, leaving seven people dead, by natalie finn | e news • published august 24, 2024 • updated on august 24, 2024 at 10:34 am.

Originally appeared on E! Online

Nobody was trying to reach the lowest depths of the ocean or otherwise test the boundaries of human endurance .

But what was supposed to be a routine pleasure cruise aboard a superyacht turned deadly all the same on the morning of Aug. 19 when the 184-foot Bayesian got caught in a storm and sank off the coast of Sicily .

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"I can't remember the last time I read about a vessel going down quickly like that," Stephen Richter of SAR Marine Consulting told NBC News . "You know, completely capsizing and going down that quickly, a vessel of that nature, a yacht of that size."

Of the 22 people onboard, including crew, seven people died. The last of the bodies was recovered Aug. 23, an expectedly sad coda to what had already been a tragic week as the search for answers as to how this happened got underway.

And to be sure, every minute of the Bayesian's ill-fated outing is being fiercely scrutinized, starting with the general seaworthiness of the vessel itself.

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Because, frankly, this was a freak occurrence.

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"Boats of this size, they’re taking passengers on an excursion or a holiday," Richter explained. "They are not going to put them in situations where it may be dangerous or it may be uncomfortable, so this storm that popped up was obviously an anomaly. These vessels that carry passengers, they’re typically very well-maintained, very well-appointed."

But in this case, a $40 million yacht sank, seven people are dead—including a billionaire tech mogul and his 18-year-old daughter—and morbid fascination doesn't need a second wind.

Here is how the story of the Sicily yacht tragedy has unfolded so far:

What happened to the yacht that sank off the coast of Sicily?

The Bayesian had set off from the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 at capacity with 12 guests and 10 crewmembers aboard.

The aluminum-hulled vessel was built in 2008 by Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi and registered in the U.K. Cruise sites listed it as available for charter at $215,000 per week, per the Associated Press.

On the morning of Aug. 19, the superyacht was anchored off the coast of Porticello, a small fishing village in the Sicilian province of Palermo (also the name of Sicily's capital city), when a violent storm hit.

The vessel "suddenly sank" at around 5 a.m. local time, seemingly due to "the terrible weather conditions," the City Council of Bagheria announced shortly afterward, per NBC News .

At the time, only one person was confirmed dead—the ship's chef—but six others were said to be missing. The 15 survivors—who managed to make it onto an inflatable life boat, according to emergency officials—were rescued that morning by the crew of another yacht that had been nearby when the storm hit.

"Fifteen people inside," Karsten Borner, the Dutch captain of the ship that was able to help (the Sir Robert Baden Powell), told reporters afterward, per Reuters. "Four people were injured, three heavily injured, and we brought them to our ship. Then we communicated with the coast guard, and after some time, the coast guard came and later picked up injured people."

When the storm hit, his boat ran into "a strong hurricane gust," Borner said, "and we had to start the engine to keep the ship in an angled position."

They "managed to keep the ship in position," he continued, but once the storm died down, they realized the other boat that had been behind them—the Bayesian—was gone.

The wreck ended up settling 165 feet below the surface, according to Italy's national fire department.

Fire officials said that divers, a motorboat and a helicopter were deployed to search for the missing.

Meanwhile, footage was captured of the ship capsizing on closed-circuit TV about a half-mile away from where it was anchored.

In the video obtained by NBC News, the illuminated 250-foot aluminum mast of the ship appears to list severely to one side before disappearing completely. Survivors recalled having just a few minutes to literally abandon ship.

Who were the seven people who died when the yacht Bayesian sank?

The tragedy initially became headline news because billionaire tech mogul Mike Lynch—"Britain's Bill Gates," some U.K. media called him—was among the missing. His body was ultimately recovered Aug. 22 .

"They told me that suddenly they found themselves catapulted into the water without even understanding how they had got there," Dr. Fabio Genco, head of the Palermo Emergency Medical Services, told NBC News Aug. 22. "And that the whole thing seems to have lasted from 3 to 5 minutes."

Genco said he got to Porticello about an hour after the Bayesian capsized.

Survivors "told me that it was all dark, that the yacht hoisted itself up and then went down," he said. "All the objects were falling on them. That’s why I immediately made sure, by asking them questions, if they had any internal injuries."

Why did the yacht sink?

Italian prosecutors are investigating to determine what transpired before the boat went down, according to NBC News.

Meanwhile, the CEO of shipbuilder Perini's parent company The Italian Sea Group defended the vessel itself as "unsinkable."

Perini boats "are the safest in the most absolute sense," Giovanni Costantino told Sky News Aug. 22 . What happened to the Bayesian "put me in a state of sadness on one side and of disbelief on the other," he continued. "This incident sounds like an unbelievable story, both technically and as a fact."

Costantino said it had to have been human error that led to the boat sinking, declaring, "Mistakes were made."

"Everything that was done reveals a very long summation of errors," he told newspaper Corriere della Sera Aug. 21, in an interview translated from Italian. "The people should not have been in the cabins, the boat should not have been at anchor."

The weather was "all predictable," he continued, adding that the storm "was fully legible in all the weather charts. It couldn't have been ignored."

The yacht's captain, identified as James Cutfield of New Zealand, was taken to Termini Imerese hospital for treatment. From there, he told La Repubblica, per Sky News , that he didn't see the storm coming.

Borner, the captain of the ship that rescued the 15 Bayesian survivors, told NBC News that he noticed the storm come in at 4 a.m. local time, and saw what looked to him like a waterspout, a type of tornado that forms above water.

The International Centre for Waterspout Research posted on X Aug. 19 that it had "confirmed 18 waterspouts today off the coasts of Italy. Some were powerful waterspouts, one of which may have been responsible for the sinking of a large yacht off of Sicily."

Borner said he didn't know why the Bayesian sank so quickly, guessing "it may have something to do with the mast, which was incredibly long." (A tall mast, even with its sails down, means there's more surface area exposed to wind, which can result in tipping.)

Confirming that one person was dead and six unaccounted for immediately following the wreck on Aug. 19, Salvo Cocina of Sicily's civil protection agency told reporters that a waterspout had struck the area overnight.

"They were in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said.

The 59-year-old founder of software firm Autonomy had been on the trip with his wife Angela Bacares and their 18-year-old, Oxford-bound daughter Hannah to celebrate his recent acquittal in the U.S. on fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from the $11.7 billion purchase of his company by Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

In a bizarre turn of events, Lynch's co-defendant at trial, Stephen Chamberlain, the former vice president of finance at Autonomy, died after being taken off life support following a road accident on Aug. 17. Chamberlain's attorney told Reuters Aug. 20 that his friend and client had been out for a run when he was "fatally struck" by a car.

Meanwhile, multiple people who contributed to Lynch's defense were on the cruise with him and his family.

The bodies of Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer—who testified on Lynch's behalf—and his wife Judy Bloomer, as well as lawyer Chris Morvillo, a partner at the U.S. firm Clifford Chance, and his wife Neda Morvillo, a jewelry designer, were recovered on Aug. 21 .

In a LinkedIn post thanking the team that successfully defended Lynch, Morvillo wrote, per Sky News , "And, finally, a huge thank you to my patient and incredible wife, Neda Morvillo, and my two strong, brilliant, and beautiful daughters, Sabrina Morvillo and Sophia Morvillo. None of this would have been possible without your love and support. I am so glad to be home. And they all lived happily ever after…"

The first casualty confirmed Aug. 19 was the ship's Canadian-Antiguan chef, later identified as Recaldo Thomas.

"He was a one-of-a-kind special human being," a friend of Thomas told The Independent . "Incredibly talented, contagious smile and laugh, an incredible voice with a deep love of the ocean and the moon. I spoke to him nearly every day. He loved his life his friends and his job."

Hannah's body was the last of the missing six to be found , with divers bringing her remains ashore on Aug. 23.

Lynch and Bacares, who was rescued, also shared a 21-year-old daughter, according to The Times.

While awaiting trial, Lynch—who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings—had spent 13 months under house arrest in San Francisco. Back home in London afterward, he admitted to The Times in July that he'd been afraid of dying in prison if he'd been found guilty. (He faced a possible 25-year sentence.)

"It's bizarre, but now you have a second life," he reflected. "The question is, what do you want to do with it?"

(E!, NBC News and Sky News are all members of the Comcast family.)

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Five bodies found inside superyacht that sank off Sicily

PORTICELLO, Sicily — Divers recovered four bodies Wednesday from inside a superyacht that sank in a sudden storm off Sicily , Salvatore Cocina, director of the island's Civil Protection Agency, confirmed to NBC News.

Cocina later confirmed to Sky News that a fifth body had been found and was being brought to shore. One passenger remains missing.

The identities of the bodies were not immediately released. Their recovery follows a dayslong search in the deep waters off Italy where British tech tycoon Mike Lynch  and several others were believed to be trapped in the hull. Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived.

The rest had been missing since early Monday, when the Bayesian was caught in the storm anchored off the coast of Porticello, a village near the Sicilian capital city, Palermo.

The body of the ship’s cook, identified as Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian Antiguan national, was recovered Monday. 

On Wednesday, NBC News witnessed what appeared to be at least three body bags being lifted from fire department boats after they pulled into port at Porticello. It was unclear whose bodies they were. Some were later transferred to ambulances and driven away from the dock.

Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah; Morgan Stanley International Chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy; and Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda, are also missing. 

The Bayesian is owned by a firm linked to Lynch’s wife, Angela Bacares, who was among the survivors rescued by a nearby vessel after they got into a lifeboat.

Built by the Italian shipbuilder Perini Navi in 2008, the U.K.-registered yacht could carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist boating sites. Its nearly 250-foot mast is the tallest aluminum sailing mast in the world, according to CharterWorld Luxury Yacht Charters.  

Regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” Lynch was  acquitted of fraud by a San Francisco jury this year, stemming from the sale of his software company Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011.

The Mediterranean sailing vacation was designed to be a celebration for Lynch, who brought Bloomer, who testified in his defense, and Morvillo, one of his U.S. lawyers, on the trip.

Lynch's co-defendant Stephen Chamberlain was not aboard the Bayesian, but in what appears to be a tragic coincidence, a  car struck and killed  him Saturday as he was jogging in a village about 68 miles north of London, local police said.

Claudio Lavanga and Claudia Rizzo reported from Porticello. Henry Austin reported from London.

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.

Claudia Rizzo is an Italy based journalist.

Henry Austin is a senior editor for NBC News Digital based in London.

British tech giant Mike Lynch missing after possible tornado flips yacht

British tech giant Mike Lynch, his lawyer and four other people are among those missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily early Monday, Italy’s civil protection and authorities said. Lynch’s wife and 14 other people survived.

Lynch, who was acquitted in June in a big U.S. fraud trial, was among the six people who remain unaccounted for after their chartered sailboat sank off Porticello, when a tornado over the water known as a waterspout struck the area overnight, said Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency.

One body has been recovered, and police divers were trying to reach the hull of the ship, which was resting at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet) off Porticello, near Palermo, where it had been anchored.

RELATED STORY | New tools help better predict storms and alert the public for hurricane season

It had a crew of 10 people and 12 passengers, the Italian coast guard said. A sudden fierce storm had battered the area overnight, and struck the place precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged Bayesian had been moored.

“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Cocina, noting that another superyacht nearby wasn't as badly damaged and was able to rescue some of the 15 survivors.

The Bayesian was known for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast, one of the world’s tallest made of aluminum and which was lit up at night, just hours before it sank. Online charter sites list it for rent for up to 195,000 euros (about $215,000) a week.

One of the survivors, identified only as Charlotte, said she had momentarily lost hold of her 1-year-old daughter Sofia in the water, but then managed to hold her up over the waves until a lifeboat inflated and they were both pulled to safety, Italian news agency ANSA reported, quoting the mother.

Eight of the 15 people rescued and taken to shore at Porticello were hospitalized. One body was found near the wreck, but six others were unaccounted for, said Luca Cari, a spokesperson for the Italian fire rescue service.

RELATED STORY | Hurricane Ernesto weakens into tropical storm as it moves away from Bermuda over open waters

Rescue crews located the vessel and deep-water police divers were trying to access the hull, Cari said. The operations, which were visible from shore, involved helicopters and rescue boats from the coast guard, fire rescue and civil protection service.

Fisherman Francesco Cefalu’ said he had seen a flare from shore at around 4:30 a.m. and immediately set out to the site but by the time he got there, the Bayesian had already sunk, with only cushions, wood and other items from the superyacht floating in the water.

“But for the rest, we didn’t find anyone,” he said from the port hours later. He said that he immediately alerted the coast guard and stayed on site for three hours, but didn't find any survivors. ”I think they are inside, all the missing people.”

He said he had been up so early to check the weather to see if he could go fishing, and surmised that a sudden waterspout had struck the yacht.

“It could be that the mast broke, or the anchor at the prow pulled it, I don’t know,” he said.

The seven who weren't rescued included one crew member and six passengers, the coast guard said.

The yacht, built in 2008 by the Italian firm Perini Navi, can accommodate 12 passengers in four double cabins, a triple and the master suite, plus crew accommodations, according to Charter World and Yacht Charters.

The vessel, which previously was named Salute when it flew under a Dutch flag, featured a sleek, minimalist interior of light wood with Japanese accents designed by the French designer Remi Tessier, according to descriptions and photos on the charter sites.

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Mike Lynch yacht sinking latest: Manslaughter probe to look at crew responsibility as tributes paid to Hannah

Ambrogio cartosio, public prosecutor of nearby town termini imerese, said specific suspects have been named, so far, article bookmarked.

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A manslaughter investigation has been launched following the deaths of  seven people onboard the Bayesian  superyacht  which sank off the coast of  Sicily .

Italian public prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio, from nearby town Termini Imerese, said his office h as opened an initial investigation into manslaughter and negligent  shipwreck . No specific suspects have been named, so far.

At a press conference, prosecutors were asked about the Bayesian crew’s responsibilities considering all but one survived. 

Prosecutors said they were “concentrating on this particular aspect”.

They want to “discover how much they knew and to what extent all the people [passengers] were warned”.

It comes as tributes have poured in for Hannah Lynch, who  died with her father on the superyacht .

Sasha Murray, chief stewardess of the Bayesian who is understood to have been rescued from the yacht described Hannah as a “diamond in a sea of stars”.

“What most people may not have seen was the extraordinarily strong, deep and loving relationship she shared with her parents, whom she adored more than anything,” she added.

Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo also died on the boat.

Video: Italian prosecutor announces manslaughter investigation over Mike Lynch yacht sinking

Italian prosecutor announces manslaughter investigation over Mike Lynch yacht sinking

A manslaughter investigation has been launched into the deaths of seven people onboard British tech mogul Mike Lynch’s yacht. Mr Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among the seven people who died after the Bayesian superyacht sank near Porticello at about 5am local time on Monday (19 August). Italian prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio confirmed the news in a press conference on Saturday (24 August). Mr Cartosion said: “I can confirm that the prosecutor’s office is currently investigating a so-called ‘crime hypothesis’ of shipwreck and manslaughter against unknown persons. “However we are only at a very early stage of the investigation and the developments can be unpredictable, we are not currently excluding any hypothesis.”

Why did the boat sink?

The vessel had been deemed “unsinkable” by its manufacturer – Italian shipyard Perini Navi.

The Bayesian was hit by a downburst, according to Mr Cammarano, which are powerful winds that descend from a thunderstorm and spread out quickly once they hit the ground.

Officials will look into the safety equipment on the sunken vessel.

Mr Cammarano was asked about whether there is a black box and if the hatches were left open.

He said investigators do not have exact information about the black box and that the first phase of the inquiry will look into it.

Why were nearby vessels not similarly affected?

Another yacht, the Sir Robert BP, was about 150 to 200 metres from the Bayesian when extreme weather hit.

Its crew helped to rescue 15 people from the stricken vessel.

Italian officials said they would be looking at how the downburst could affect one vehicle and not other nearby vessels.

How long will it take to recover the sailing vessel?

Maritime director of western Sicily Rear Admiral Raffaele Macauda could not confirm how long it would take to retrieve the shipwreck of the sunken yacht.

“Everything depends on the availability of the owners and the timeframe of the retrieval of the wreck and of course all that has to be submitted to the port authorities and in parallel of course there will be the inquiry results and it’s only really then that we will be able to authorise the operation,” he said.

“I can’t say, like some experts who have already spoken on the subject, that it will be eight weeks.”

He made clear that the owners will bear the full cost of retrieval, although he could not estimate the figure.

Timeline of the Bayesian luxury yacht disaster: Thursday 22 August - Saturday 24 August

Thursday 22 August

• The search resumes for the remaining missing person.
• The body of the fifth missing person, found but not recovered the previous day, is brought to shore.
• A fire service boat with flashing blue lights returns with a blue body bag to the port of Porticello just after 8.45am local time on Thursday.
• Tributes pour in for Mr Lynch and Mr and Mrs Bloomer after they are identified as having died.

Friday 23 August

• The search continues for the final person missing from the wreck of the Bayesian, later confirmed to be 18-year-old Hannah.
• Vincenzo Zagarola, of the Italian Coastguard, says the search for Hannah has not been “easy or quick”, comparing the sunken yacht to an “18-storey building full of water”.
• A spokesperson announces on behalf of her family that they are “devastated” and “in shock” after the bodies of Hannah and her father were recovered.
• Hannah’s sister Esme pays tribute to her “little angel”.

Saturday 24 August

• A press conference is held in the court of an Italian town – Termini Imerese.
• Public prosecutor Ambrogio Cartosio tells reporters that his office has opened an initial investigation against unknown persons into manslaughter and negligent shipwreck, according to a translation.
• The press conference also hears from the prosecutor in charge of the case, Raffaele Cammarano, maritime director of western Sicily Rear Admiral Raffaele Macauda, the fire brigade chief of Palermo, Bentivoglio Fiandra, and the brigade’s chief diver, Giuseppe Petrone.

NYC lawyer who died in yacht disaster wrote haunting LinkedIn post weeks before

Christopher Morvillo formerly worked as a prosecutor investigating the September 11 terror attacks

Pictured: Bayesian superyacht

What is a downburst?

Officials said the superyacht had been hit by a downburst and the Italian officials said they would be looking at how it could affect one vehicle and not other nearby vessels, according to the translation of the conference.

A downburst is an intense burst of wind at ground level emenating from the strong downdraft of a thunderstorm; the wind often blows radially from a point source, as opposed to the rotating winds associated with a tornado.

Downbursts usually last just a few minutes, and can be particularly dangerous for aviation.

They have been blamed for a number of air crashes over the years, although the risk tends to be well forecast by meteorologists allowing pilots to avoid them.

Who is Angela Bacares?

Wife of Mike Lynch, 57-year-old Angela Bacares managed to escape to safety and is in a wheelchair with abrasions on her feet that prevent her from walking, according to la Repubblica.

The newspaper said she told doctors that at 4am, the boat had tilted and she and her husband were woken up.

Under Angela Bacares’ name, the couple’s estimated wealth is £852m, the Sunday Times Rich List revealed in 2023. They have a house in Chelsea, west London, but primarily live on their farm in Suffolk with their six dogs and rare breeds of pigs and cows.

Who died on the Bayesian yacht?

British technology tycoon Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah were among the people initially unaccounted for after his superyacht Bayesian sank in a storm off the coast of Sicily in the early hours of Monday.

On Saturday morning, Italian authorities announced a manslaughter investigation had been launched into the deaths of seven people, after a five-day operation that has seen divers carefully navigating their way into the cabin bedrooms.

Mr Lynch and Hannah  were among the seven people who died after the Bayesian  superyacht  sank near Porticello at about 5am local time on Monday.

Morgan Stanley chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo also died.

Recaldo Thomas was the  superyacht ’s chef and the first person whose death was confirmed.

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It came as Italian authorities continued to search in the wreckage for the 18-year-old daughter of tech tycoon Mike Lynch .

Mr Lynch was among five people whose bodies have been recovered from the wreck of the Bayesian, which capsized during a tornado early on Monday morning.

In a statement, Mr and Mrs Bloomer’s family said: "We are grieving for our loved ones and all of those affected by the tragedy.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the emergency services and everyone who helped tirelessly in this rescue operation.

"Our parents were incredible people and an inspiration to many, but first and foremost they were focused on and loved their family and spending time with their new grandchildren.

"Together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now. This is an unimaginable grief to shoulder. Our only ask is that our family's privacy is respected at this time."

Tributes have also poured in from across the tech and business worlds for Mr Lynch , describing him as a “pioneer” and a “giant of a man”.

A major search operation has been underway for the six missing people since the Bayesian sank in a storm off the coast of Sicily around 5am on Monday.Four of the missing were found dead on the wreck yesterday and brought to shore, while a fifth was recovered shortly after the search operation resumed this morning.

Follow live updates below.

CEO of Luminance pays tribute to Mike Lynch

18:56 , Daniel Keane

The chief executive of legal AI company Luminance has paid tribute to its founder Mike Lynch, saying he was a "visionary unlike any other" following his death in the luxury yacht disaster off the coast of Sicily.

Eleanor Lightbody said in a statement: "I am devastated to hear the news about our founding investor, Mike Lynch, and all of those involved in this tragic accident.

"Mike was a visionary unlike any other. He had a unique ability to spot the next technological revolution and solve tomorrow's challenges before others even knew they were coming.

"Beyond that, it was his connection to people that made him special. He had a steadfast belief in the UK's technology sector, in our incredible academic institutions, and in the talent he took the time to spot and nurture, regardless of background or discipline.

"Above all, Mike was a kind man who had an impact on many and will be sorely missed. I feel honoured to have known him, worked with him and learnt from him over the years.

"The UK has lost someone with the means, authority, knowledge and drive to propel the UK into technological leadership, but his legacy will live on in all of the extraordinary businesses he built and mentored, as well as his family who are in my thoughts."

Mike Lynch 'tried to sell superyacht months before sinking which claimed his life'

18:02 , Daniel Keane

Mike Lynch considered selling his superyacht months before it sank off the coast of Sicily but changed his mind after his acquittal, according to a report.

The tech tycoon had put the £30 million yacht up for sale in March this year but withdrew it from the market in July, the  Telegraph  reported.

He had planned to spend the summer on board the boat and then review the decision to sell in the autumn, industry sources told the newspaper.

Read our full story here .

Further tributes to Jonathan and Judy Bloomer

17:25 , Daniel Keane

More tributes have been paid to Jonathan and Judy Bloomer.

The chief executive of insurance group Hiscox, Aki Hussain, said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by Jonathan and Judy's tragic deaths.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to their family and friends at this devastating time.

"It was a privilege to have known Jonathan and to have benefited from his generosity and wisdom over the last year in his role as chair of Hiscox.

"His deep experience across our industry and in the broader business arena, combined with his personal values, made him both an excellent chair and a person I was proud to know and work with.”

Investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, where Mr Bloomer was previously a board director, said: “We are all deeply saddened by this tragic event.

"Jonathan was a giant in financial services, and we remember him fondly at Hargreaves Lansdown as someone who made a major impact on the business with his wealth of experience when he served on the board from 2006-2013 including as our senior independent director.

"We in the Hargreaves Lansdown family will miss him and our thoughts go out to his loved ones, as well as those of the others lost in this awful disaster."

Morgan Stanley CEO pays tribute to Bloomer

16:40 , Daniel Keane

The chief executive of Morgan Stanley has paid tribute to Jonathan Bloomer, the bank's international chairman, following his death in the sinking of a luxury yacht in Sicily.

Ted Pick said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic news.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Bloomer family and all those affected by this tragedy.

"Jonathan's leadership and experience helped the firm manage a period of complex change for our international businesses.

"He has been a friend and mentor to many and we will all greatly miss his wise counsel and spirit of kindness."

Family of bank chairman pay tribute after deaths in Sicily

16:06 , Daniel Keane

The family of Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy have described them as "incredible people and an inspiration to many" following their deaths in the sinking of a luxury yacht in Sicily.

British Library CEO remembers Mike Lynch as 'thoughtful, perceptive and supportive'

15:33 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The chief executive of the British Library has also paid tribute to former board member Mike Lynch, describing him as “thoughtful, perceptive and supportive”.

Sir Roly Keating said: “Mike’s extraordinary understanding of technology, combined with his passion for the British Library’s mission to share knowledge, made him an invaluable member of our board.

“He was thoughtful, perceptive and supportive, and will be deeply missed by all of us who worked with him in his time here.”

Tech mogul Mr Lynch previously served on the board of the British Library and the BBC, and was a trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He was also a key donor to major charitable institutions.

Read more tributes, and more about his life, here .

BBC boss Tim Davie pays tribute to 'wise, generous and insightful' Mike Lynch

BBC director-general Tim Davie is the latest major figure to pay tribute after the death of technology mogul Mike Lynch.

Mr Lynch was previously on the board of the BBC, as well as other prominent institutions.

“We are deeply saddened by the awful news about the deaths of those aboard the Bayesian yacht,” said Mr Davie.

“Mike Lynch was an outstanding BBC director who made a major contribution during his time on the board, from 2007 to 2012.

“Wise, generous and insightful, he played a particularly key role in accelerating our transformation as a digital organisation.

“Our thoughts are with his family and all others involved.”

Italian interior ministry official confirms Mike Lynch's body found

15:12 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Massimo Mariani, an Italian interior ministry official, has confirmed to Reuters news agency the body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch was retrieved from the wreck this morning.

We have been hearing reports of this throughout the day, but this is the first time the news has been confirmed by a named official.

Mr Mariani added that Mr Lynch's daughter is the last person unaccounted for after the yacht, and said she may be inside the wreck or could have been tossed into the sea as the boat sank.

Mike Lynch was 'was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK' says charity CEO

14:33 , Jacob Phillips

The chief executive of Cancer Research UK has added to the tributes paid to Mike Lynch after confirmation of his death on Thursday.

Michelle Mitchell said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mike Lynch and all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

“Together with his wife, Angela, Mike was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK and a member of the board for our Create the Change campaign, which funded the building of the Francis Crick Institute.

“His support has helped to bring leading scientists together under one roof to tackle the biggest health challenges faced by humankind, including cancer.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to all the families affected.”

'Nonsense' that ship sank in seconds, says CEO of The Italian Sea Group

14:16 , Jacob Phillips

The CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which built the yacht, has dismissed the idea that the boat disappeared in a few seconds as “nonsense”.

In an interview with Italian outlet Corriere della Sera he claimed six minutes passed from when water started entering the ship to when it sunk.

He has argued that the yacht’s guests should have been taken to the assembly point of the ship "as per emergency procedure".

He added: "All it took was a 40-degree tilt and those in the cabin found the door high up."

The CEO added that if the right procedures were followed, which included closing all doors and hatches before starting the engine and pulling up the anchor, then "the next morning, they would have set off again with zero damage".

Tributes pour in from across tech world to 'giant of a man' Mike Lynch

Leading figures from the business and technology sectors have been paying tribute to  Mike Lynch , whose body has reportedly been recovered from the wreck.

One of the UK’s best-known tech entrepreneurs, the 59-year-old has been remembered as “a hugely significant and pioneering figure” who will be remembered for both his “glittering” professional achievements, and for his “generosity, empathy and kindness”.

Read the tributes, and about Mr Lynch’s life and achievements, here .

Key questions facing investigators

13:21 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Much speculation has swirled since the Bayesian sank, with many baffled as to how the vast yacht went down in a matter of just minutes.

Here are some of the questions and challenges investigators examining the sinking may be facing:

Was the yacht’s design a factor? Bayesian has a mast measuring 72 metres, making it one of the world’s largest sailing yachts. There has been speculation the mast may have acted “like a sail" when severe weather hit the vessel, leaving it "pinned over on its side".

Were windows and doors left open? Sam Jefferson, editor of the magazine Sailing Today, told PA news agency he suspects "all the doors were open because it was hot", causing the yacht to fill with water "very quickly". Weather records show temperatures reached around 33C the day before the sinking.

Will video footage help shine a light on what happened? The Italian coastguard has reportedly visited local homes and organisations to gather footage of the sinking from CCTV cameras.

Was the keel a factor? Italian media reported that divers found the Bayesian's keel - a flat blade on the bottom of yachts that sticks down into the water to boost stability - was partially retracted. Some yacht safety experts believe that may have contributed to the sinking. But a spokesperson for Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that built Bayesian, told The Telegraph: "Even without the keel completely out, the ship is stable and only a massive entry of water could have caused the sinking."

Was the crew prepared? The weather event that sank the yacht has been described as a “black swan event”. But Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, has claimed human errors are responsible for the sinking and that it could have been avoided. He told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that it is good practice to have a guard on the bridge while a ship is at anchor, to look out for storms and take necessary measures.

'Moving one metre inside wreckage can take 24 hours' says fire service as difficult search continues

A spokesperson for the Italian fire service has said search teams “would need a crystal ball” to work out when the sixth and final missing person might be found.

Four bodies were recovered from the wreck of Bayesian yesterday, while a fifth was brought to shore this morning. Of the six people rescue teams have been working to find since the yacht sank on Monday, one person remains missing.

"We would need a crystal ball to know when we'll be able to find the next body," Luca Cari of Italy’s fire rescue service, which has been leading the search operation, told Sky News.

"It's very difficult to move inside the wreckage. Moving just one metre can take up to 24 hours.”

Passages inside the wreck - which is lying on the seabed at a depth of around 49m - have been obstructed by furniture and other wreckage, making access very difficult.

No decision yet made on whether to recover yacht - coastguard

A spokesperson for the Italian coastguard has said no discussion has yet been had, regarding whether the wreck of the Bayesian will be recovered from the sea floor.

Spokesperson Vincenzo Zagarola told the PA news agency: "This is not a topic on the agenda. It will be, but not now."

The wreck of the luxury, 56-metre-long (184ft) yacht is resting on the seabed off the coast of Sicily, at a depth of 50 metres (164ft).

Who is missing Hannah Lynch?

11:36 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Hannah Lynch is the sixth and final missing yacht passenger who is yet to be found, according to reports.

Hannah is the 18-year-old daughter of British billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch. She is understood to be the youngest of two girls.

She was on board Bayesian with both her father and her mother, Angela Bacares, when it was hit by severe weather shortly before 5am on Monday.

Mrs Bacares managed to escape the yacht on a lifeboat along with 14 other people, but Mr Lynch and Hannah were among six people who were lost in the sinking.

Expert divers have spent more than three days searching the wreck, which is lying on the seabed at a depth of around 50m.

They have recovered Mr Lynch’s body along with those of four others, but are yet to locate Hannah, according to reports.

Hannah Lynch is a former pupil of prestigious west London private school Latymer Upper School. The £25,000-a-year school in  Hammersmith  counts Alan Rickman,  Hugh Grant  and Heston Blumenthal among alumni.

She is understood to be a gifted pupil, who recently completed her A-levels and secured a place to read English at the University of Oxford.

The teenager has been described by friends as a “supernova” - a gentle, kind, clever young woman who was a staunch feminist, according to The Times.Latymer Upper School said in a statement on Tuesday: “We are all incredibly shocked by the news that Hannah and her father are among those missing in this tragic incident and our thoughts are with their family and everyone involved as we await further updates.”

Read more here .

Mike Lynch 'a hugely significant and pioneering figure' in tech sector

Tech trade association TechUK has paid tribute to tycoon Mike Lynch as “a hugely significant and pioneering figure”.

A spokesperson told The Independent: “Mike Lynch was a hugely significant and pioneering figure in the UK technology sector.

“Our hearts go out to all of the families and friends who have been impacted by these tragic events.”

Royal Academy of Engineering pays tribute to Mike Lynch

10:52 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The Royal Academy of Engineering has paid tribute to its “mentor, donor and former council member” Mike Lynch following reports of his death.

In a statement, the academy said: “The trustee board, fellows and staff of the Royal Academy of Engineering are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike Lynch, and send our profound condolences to his family.

“Mike became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 and we have fond memories of the active role he played in the past as a mentor, donor and former council member.

The Trustee Board, Fellows and staff of the Royal Academy of Engineering are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike Lynch OBE DL FREng FRS, and send our profound condolences to his family. Mike became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 and we have fond… — Royal Academy of Engineering (@RAEngNews) August 22, 2024

“He was also one of the inaugural members on the enterprise committee.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Bystanders solemnly watch on as search for sixth body continues

10:32 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Boat manufacturer CEO claims human mistakes led to sinking

10:22 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

How the Bayesian - built by Italian high-end yacht manufacturer Perini and presumed to have top-class fittings and safety features - sank so rapidly has baffled naval marine experts who believe it should have been able to withstand the weather.

Giovanni Constantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group , which includes Perini, has now claimed the luxury yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world".

He said he believed the disaster was caused by a chain of human mistakes and that the storm had been expected, in interviews with Italian media.

"The ship sank because it took on water, from where investigators will have to say," Mr Constantino told television news programme TG1 last night.

Citing data from the yacht's automatic tracking system and based on available footage, he said it took 16 minutes for Bayesian to sink, after it began being buffeted by the wind.

Mr Constantino said the Milan-listed group has suffered "enormous damage" to its reputation, with shares falling 2.5 per cent since the disaster.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the sinking, and authorities have started questioning passengers and witnesses. Captain James Cutfield was reportedly interviewed for around two hours on Tuesday.

NSPCC chair pays tribute to Jonathan and Judy Bloomer

The chairman of children’s charity the NSPCC has paid tribute to Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, following news of their deaths.

Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Mr Bloomer formerly served as honorary treasurer of the NSPCC.

“We are deeply saddened that the deaths of Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy have been confirmed after the yacht they were on tragically sank off the coast of Sicily,” said charity chairman Neil Berkett.

“Jonathan and Judy were great supporters of the NSPCC over many years, with Jonathan joining our board of trustees in 2008 and serving as the honorary treasurer from 2009 to 2016.

“We remember Jonathan from his time with us as a very kind individual with a great sense of humour, and Judy as formidable and passionate.

“We are so grateful for everything they did for children and the NSPCC and our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues at this desperately sad time.”

'We were all hoping for a miracle' - friend of Mike Lynch

Brent Hoberman, a friend of renowned British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, has described news of his death as “unbelievably tragic”.

Mr Hoberman told Sky News: “We were all hoping for a miracle - we knew it was unlikely but you still hold out hope.

"It's just so unbelievably tragic for him to go through what he went through over the last 12 years, defending his name and not really living a full life, to now for his death to be confirmed is obviously incredibly sad."

Mr Lynch spent 12 years trying to clear his name after being accused by US firm Hewlett Packard (HP) of fraud and conspiracy.

The father-of-two was finally acquitted in June following a trial in the US.

The yacht trip was a celebration of his acquittal. His wife Angela Bacares and daughter Hannah, friends, colleagues, and lawyers who helped clear his name were among passengers on board.

Body of tech tycoon Mike Lynch 'recovered from yacht' - reports

09:17 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The body retrieved from the wreck of Bayesian this morning is that of British tech magnate Mike Lynch, a source close to the rescue operation has reportedly told news agency Reuters.

The source said Mr Lynch’s 18-year daughter Hannah Lynch is still missing.

That would mean the four bodies recovered yesterday are those of the four other missing people - Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer, and lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

The Italian Coastguard has confirmed to the PA news agency that the sixth and final person yet to be found is a woman.

The identities of those recovered have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

Photos show fifth body being brought to shore

Photos from photographers at the scene show the fifth body being brought to shore by rescue personnel.

The remains were recovered from the wreckage this morning, and a fire service boat with flashing blue lights returned with a blue body bag to the port of Porticello just after 8.45am local time (7.45am in the UK).

The search continues for the sixth and final missing person.

What we know so far

08:19 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Five bodies have been found on the wreckage of the Bayesian superyacht. Four were brought to shore yesterday, with the fifth recovered this morning.

One person remains missing . Search teams are this morning resuming efforts to find them.

The yacht is believed to have been hit by a waterspout - a tornado over the water. Eyewitnesses say it sank within a matter of minutes, but how and why it sank so quickly has yet to be established.

Search efforts have been hampered by debris that has blocked access to the yacht’s sleeping cabins. The operation has also been complicated by the angle and depth of the yacht, which is lying on the seabed around 49m (160.7ft) beneath the surface.

Authorities have been searching for six missing people : British tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Italian authorities have not yet officially identified the bodies that have been found.

Fifteen of the 22 passengers and crew escaped Bayesian on a lifeboat . One man - yacht chef Recaldo Thomas - was found dead at the scene on Monday.

Fifth body recovered

A fifth body has been recovered from the wreck of Bayesian.

The body was one of five located yesterday but divers had to abandon their recovery after night fell last night.

Five bodies have now been recovered from the wreck. One person remains missing.

'The world has lost a genius' says friend of Mike Lynch

07:43 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

David Tabizel, who co-founded software giant Autonomy with Mike Lynch in 1996, has paid tribute to him as “a giant of a man”.

Around 9.30pm on Wednesday, after news was confirmed that five bodies had been found on the Bayesian, Mr Tabizel wrote on X: “It looks like we’ve lost our dear Dr Mike Lynch. RIP. The world has lost a genius. His family have lost a giant of a man.”

It looks like we’ve lost our dear Dr Mike Lynch. RIP. The world has lost a genius. His family have lost a giant of a man. #MikeLynch #Autonomy pic.twitter.com/eBesEwOe88 — David Tabizel (@Tabizel) August 21, 2024

Speaking to Sky News earlier this week, Mr Tabizel described Mr Lynch as “one of the most influential, intelligent and most honourable human beings I have ever had the honour of knowing”.

In a piece for the Standard, Mr Lynch’s friend Rohan Silva recounted visiting the tech tycoon while he was under house arrest in the US awaiting his fraud trial, and wrote how after his name was finally cleared Mr Lynch had messaged him to say he was “exhausted” but that it was “so wonderful to be home” in the UK with his wife and two daughters.

Silva said Mr Lynch is “beloved by London’s tech community”, and said he will remember him not just for his “glittering academic and business achievements” but “for his thoughtfulness, generosity, empathy and kindness”.

Mr Lynch rose to become one of Britain’s most successful entrepeneurs, after founding Autonomy.

He sold the firm to Hewlett Packard (HP) for £11bn (£8.64bn), generating himself an $800m windfall. But he then spent 12 years trying to clear his name of fraud and conspiracy, after HP accused him of over-inflating the value of Autonomy.

The 59-year-old was finally cleared in June. He had organised the trip on the Bayesian - a yacht owned by his wife Angela Bacares - as a celebration of his acquittal.

Who are the six people search teams have been looking for?

Search teams have spent more than three days searching for six people who were missing after the Bayesian yacht sank before dawn on Monday.

The bodies of five people have now been found, though it has not confirmed which missing people they belong to.

The six people authorities have been searching for are British billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch ; his 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch , a former London schoolgirl ; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy Bloomer ; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo , and his wife Neda Morvillo .

Photos show search teams resuming operation

07:09 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Photos from the scene this morning show the search mission appears to have resumed.

It is now just after 8am in Sicily. The Italian fire service, which has been leading the operation, has not yet released a statement this morning but previous days have seen firefighters resume their search at first light.

Search for sixth missing person to resume

07:03 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Good morning, and welcome to the Standard’s live blog.

Today will see divers search the wreckage of the Bayesian yacht for the final person who remains missing after the luxury vessel sank off the coast of Porticello, in northern Sicily, in the early hours of Monday.

Rescuers have spent three full days searching for six missing passengers - four Brits and two Americans. After difficulty reaching the sleeping cabins where they believed the missing people to be trapped, divers finally managed to gain access yesterday afternoon and found five bodies.

Four of those bodies have been recovered. The whereabouts of the missing sixth person remains unknown.

We will be bringing you updates throughout the day as the operation continues.

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Diplomatic tightrope for Modi as he visits Kyiv after Moscow

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Ukraine to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The trip comes just weeks after he met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

The visit is significant because Kyiv and some Western capitals had reacted sharply to Mr Modi’s visit to the Russian capital in July.

Mr Zelensky was particularly critical, saying he was “disappointed to see the leader of the world's largest democracy hug the world's most bloody criminal in Moscow”.

So, is Mr Modi visiting Kyiv to placate Mr Zelensky and other Western leaders?

Not entirely.

It’s not surprising to see India balance its relations between two competing nations or blocs. The country’s famed non-alignment approach to geopolitics has served it well for decades.

Friday's visit - the first by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine - is more about signalling that while India will continue to have strong relations with Russia, it will still work closely with the West.

Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre think-tank in Washington, says the trip will further reassert India’s strategic autonomy.

“India isn’t in the business of placating Western powers, or anyone for that matter. It’s a trip meant to advance Indian interests, by reasserting friendship with Kyiv and conveying its concerns about the continuing war,” he says.

However, the timing of the visit does reflect that Indian diplomats have taken onboard the sharp reactions from the US to Mr Modi's Moscow visit.

India has refrained from directly criticising Russia over the war, much to the annoyance of Western powers.

• Modi's balancing act as he meets Putin in Moscow

Delhi, however, has often spoken about the importance of respecting territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations. It has continuously pushed for diplomacy and dialogue to end the war.

Mr Modi’s Moscow visit in July came hours after Russian bombing killed at least 41 people in Ukraine, including at a children's hospital in Kyiv, sparking a global outcry.

The Indian PM said the death of children was painful and terrifying but stopped short of blaming Russia.

Mr Modi is not likely to deviate from this stance during his visit to Kyiv. The US and other Western nations have grown to accept Delhi’s stand, given India’s time-tested relationship with Moscow and its reliance on Russian military equipment.

India, the world’s largest importer of arms, has diversified its defence import portfolio and also grown domestic manufacturing in recent years but it still buys more than 50% of its defence equipment from Russia.

India has also increased its oil imports from Russia, taking advantage of cheaper prices offered by Moscow - Russia was the top oil supplier to India last year.

The US and its allies have often implored India to take a clearer stand on the war but they have also refrained from applying harsh sanctions or pressure.

The West also sees India as a counterbalance to China and doesn’t want to upset that dynamic. India, now the fifth largest economy in the world, is also a growing market for business.

Mr Kugelman says the West will welcome the visit and see it as Delhi’s willingness to engage with all sides.

“Mr Modi has a strong incentive to signal that it’s not leaning so close to Moscow that there’s nothing to salvage with Kyiv,” he says.

This is important because India wants to keep growing its relations with the West, particularly with the US, and wouldn't want to upset the momentum. Eric Garcetti, the US ambassador to India, recently said the relationship should not be "taken for granted".

India also needs the West as China, its Asian rival, and Russia have forged close ties in recent years.

While Delhi has long viewed Moscow as a power that can put pressure on an assertive China when needed, it can't be taken for granted.

Meanwhile, many media commentators have spoken about the possibility of Mr Modi positioning himself as a peacemaker, given India’s close relations with both Moscow and the West.

But it’s unlikely that he will turn up with a peace plan.

“Is India really up to it, and are the conditions right? India doesn’t like other countries trying to mediate in its own issues, chief among them Kashmir. And I don’t think Mr Modi would formally offer mediation unless both Russia and Ukraine want it. And at this point, I don’t think they do,” Mr Kugelman adds.

Ukraine, however, will still welcome Mr Modi’s visit and see it as an opportunity to engage with a close ally of Moscow, something it hasn’t done much since the war began.

Mr Zelensky, though, is unlikely to hold back his criticism of Mr Putin in front of the Indian PM. Mr Modi can live with that as he has faced such situations many times in other Western capitals.

Moscow is not likely to react to the visit as it has also been making concessions for Delhi’s multilateral approach to geopolitics.

But beyond reasserting its non-alignment policy, Delhi also has bigger goals from this visit.

India has been ramping up engagement with Europe in the past decade, particularly with the underserved regions in Central and Eastern Europe.

Delhi wants to keep consolidating its relations with the big four - the UK, Italy, Germany and France - but also wants to boost engagement with other countries in Europe.

Mr Modi is also visiting Poland on this trip - the first Indian PM to visit the country in 45 years. He also became the first Indian prime minister to visit Austria in 41 years in July.

Analysts say that this signals India’s growing understanding that Central European nations will play a bigger role in geopolitics in the future and strong relations with them will serve Delhi well.

The Indian government has also revived trade deal negotiations with Europe. It has signed a trade and investment deal with the European Free Trade Association, which is the intergovernmental organisation of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

So, while there will be a lot of focus on the war during his visit, Indian diplomats are likely to stay focused on the bigger goal.

“Central and Eastern Europe now have greater agency in writing their own destiny and reshaping regional geopolitics. Mr Modi’s visit to Warsaw and Kyiv is about recognising that momentous change at the heart of Europe and deepening bilateral political, economic and security ties with the Central European states,” foreign policy analyst C Raja Mohan wrote in the Indian Express newspaper, summing up Mr Modi’s wider goal.

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Bayesian yacht sinking: Major update on Hannah Lynch's body as investigators break silence

Fire service commander girolamo bentivoglio fiandra offered a tragic insight into the final moments of six people found dead inside the vessel after it sank off the coast of palermo on monday..

Hannah Lynch, the daughter of tech tycoon Mike Lynch , was found alone in her own cabin onboard the Bayesian superyacht after it suddenly sank amid a freak weather conditions, according to the search and rescue crew.

Five others were recovered from a separate compartment, including her father, after the vessel dropped 50m beneath the surface of the mediterranean, fire service commander Girolamo Bentivoglio Fiandra told reporters.

Speaking at a press conference in Termini Imerese, close to where the £30million vessel sank in Sicily , Mr Fiandra said the boat had toppled onto its side as it went down.

In a tragic insight into the passengers' final moments, Mr Fiandra said it became clear to divers sent down to look for survivors that victims had attempted to get to the higher side of the ship where there may have been pockets of air, before they perished.

READ MORE: Italian prosecutor's announces major update on Bayesian yacht sinking

The ship's cook, Ricardo Thomas, was reportedly found in the water close to the wreck site shortly after the vessel sank, with the other six bodies retrieved over the course of this week.

15 other people on the yacht at the time, including Mr Lynch 's wife Angela Becares, were rescued by the crew of a Dutch-registered sailing cruise yacht, according to the vessel's captain.

Italian authorities are reportedly “investigating shipwreck and multiple counts of culpable manslaughter” , as per The Sun .

DON'T MISS: Bayesian black box exposes final 16 minutes of hell before yacht sunk [REPORT] 'Manslaughter probe launched' as daughter's body found after yacht disaster [INSIGHT] One question may solve the Bayesian yacht tragedy [LATEST]

Bayesian yacht sinking: CCTV catches final moments

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Lead prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano said alcohol and drug tests had not been carried out on the survivors, but they would be interviewed to discover why seven people lost their lives.

"We are going to discover how much they knew or to what extent all the people were warned," he said.

Investigators have reportedly been looking through footage and pictures by locals, as well as CCTV footage of the port on the night the vicious storm smashed into British-flagged vessel. 

Captain James Cutfield has already been spoken to by police for over two hours this week.

The investigation comes after the yacht's builders claimed it was "virtually unsinkable", and alleged human error may have had a part to play in the tragedy.

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• Bayesian yacht disaster - Mystery remains over sinking of £30m ship

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